Driving to Niagara Falls along Route 90. From Massachusetts. Going there on Sunday and back on Tuesday. Are there any interesting beer stops/shops along the way? I don't mind taking a short detour, but they would need to be rather short. Mostly looking for local beers to try and, preferably, take home or those that are not distributed in MA. Any pointers are greatly appreciated. P.S. We'll be staying on the Canadian side. Are there interesting stops around there? Or am I better off asking in the Canadian forum? Again, thanks.
Nothing at all? Is it worth stopping at Middles Ages or better spend time at Ommegang? Both are sold in MA, so I'm just wondering about the tours and whether they offer some extras/rares to try.
Middle Ages is meh, Ommegang is worth the trip but not really off the thruway. Saranac is a fun tour and one you should do at least once. Marcy Discount Beverage is outside of Utica and a pretty good bottle shop. Empire Brewing in Syracuse is worth a stop for lunch as well.
Although still in MA, Spirited in Lenox is about 10 minutes off the pike and really has a good selection and offers discounts on 6 bottles or more. Grab yourself some cheese and charcuterie for the road trip. As for NY, stop at the bier abbey in Schenectady for lunch and a pint, you won't be disappointed. As far as stores in NY, I'll let folks from that area answer.
Thanks. I don't know, Saranac never wowed me with their beers. Nothing bad to say, but never really excited me. Ommegang is interesting, but it adds another hour just driving; we'll see if my wife would want to spend that much extra time. A big plus is their café is open on Sunday as well. Syracuse seems right on the way - was hoping to find something there. Are there any good beer stores in Niagara Falls area? I checked "Places", but maybe there is more. Also, a question: if the beer/brand is available in NYC, is it safe to assume that it can be found anywhere in the state of NY?
Premier in Amherst is probably the best in the Niagara/Buffalo area. NYC seems to get a good bit that the Buffalo area never sees.
Agreed on the Saranc beer itself, however the brewery tour itself is awesome. First brewery in the country to open after prohibition ended.
Just as I feared: in a hurry on a way there and in a hurry on a way back - not much time to stop and look around. But stopped at Wegman's in Niagara, NY - pretty decent selection for a food chain store. Made a mix-a-six of Great Lakes, a 4pk of Nosferatu - very happy about that one, Captain Lawrence IPA and Captain Lawrence Reserve Imperial IPA. Had no idea the last one is rated so highly here. Should've grabbed more, but for some reason had trouble accessing BA.com from my phone. Anyway, very happy with what I got since neither of these breweries is available in MA. Thanks to everybody who responded; will be better informed on my next trip!
